Federer stars in new Rolex Explorer II ad

Every Rolex tells a story.

This is true when it comes to Roger Federer, who has endorsed ultra-luxury Rolex watches since 2006. Earlier this week, the top Swiss watch maker released the new Rolex Explorer II ad featuring the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

I had just won the French Open for the first time that summer and I was going to Wimbledon trying to break Pete Sampras’ all time Grand Slam record. When I did win and broke the record, in an epic five-set match against Roddick, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t break the whole match until the last game, and that gave me victory. When I was finally able to lift the trophy, I was wearing my Rolex on my wrist.—Federer

Federer has been the highest-paid tennis player for decades—he pulled in $90 million between 2020 and 2021, and re-upped his Rolex deal in 2016, which is estimated to be around $8 million a year. His impressive portfolio includes Rolex, Credit Suisse, Barilla Mercedes-Benz, shoe company On, Wilson and apparel brand Uniqlo—a 10-year-deal $300 million dollar deal, which he signed in 2018.

Next week, Federer will begin his Roland Garros campaign as he aims to capture his second title in Paris—having last won there in 2009. The 2019 semifinalist—lost to 13-time tournament champion Rafael Nadal—has not lifted a major trophy since the 2018 Australian Open.